Travel pillow

ABSTRACT

An article of manufacture for providing a travel pillow useful when sitting within an enclosed space. The travel pillow includes an outer casing having an inner cavity and a connecting mechanism for closing the inner cavity, a pair of connecting tabs coupled to each end of the outer casing, the connecting mechanism comprises a zipper, snaps, hooks, button-buttonhole, and Velcro; and a pair of mating attachment mechanisms coupled to each of the pair of connecting tabs for coupling the pair of connecting tabs to each other, pair of mating attachment mechanisms comprises a pair of mating snaps, hooks, button-buttonhole, and Velcro. The outer casing expands to permit a rolled up piece of fabric to be placed within the inner cavity, and the outer casing is made from a material comprising cotton, wool, silk, and synthetic fibers having a plush surface.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates in general to an article of manufacture for providing a travel aid, and more specifically, to an article of manufacture providing a travel pillow useful when sitting within an enclosed space.

BACKGROUND

Travelers have struggled for a very long time to remain comfortable while traveling, especially when the travelers are confined to a small space such as a seat on an aircraft, train, or bus. Trying to rest and sleep in the seats in these modes of transportation may be difficult while remaining in an upright position. Use of a pillow to assist in resting has led to attempts to create various examples of travel pillows to suit the needs of the travelers. These pillows typically are bulky in size, made from items not otherwise needed when travelling, and may be difficult to use or provide a desired level of comfort as they need inflating.

Therefore, a need exists for a an article of manufacture for providing a travel pillow useful when sitting within an enclosed space. The present invention attempts to address the limitations and deficiencies in prior solutions by reducing the volume of additional material needed while travelling according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other problems are solved by providing an article of manufacture for a travel pillow useful when sitting within an enclosed space according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, the present invention is an article of manufacture for providing a travel pillow useful when sitting within an enclosed space. The travel pillow includes an outer casing having an inner cavity and a connecting mechanism for closing the inner cavity, a pair of connecting tabs coupled to each end of the outer casing, the connecting mechanism comprises a zipper, snaps, hooks, button-buttonhole, and Velcro; and a pair of mating attachment mechanisms coupled to each of the pair of connecting tabs for coupling the pair of connecting tabs to each other, pair of mating attachment mechanisms comprises a pair of mating snaps, hooks, button-buttonhole, and Velcro. The outer casing expands to permit a rolled up piece of fabric to be placed within the inner cavity, and the outer casing is made from a material comprising cotton, wool, silk, and synthetic fibers having a plush surface.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features that are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only, and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment for an article of manufacture providing a travel pillow useful when sitting within an enclosed space according to the present invention.

FIGS. 2a-b illustrate another view of an article of manufacture for providing a travel pillow useful when sitting within an enclosed space presented according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of a travel pillow when arranged according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application relates in general a system and method for providing a travel aid, and more specifically, to an article of manufacture for providing a travel pillow useful when sitting within an enclosed space according to the present invention.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed invention.

In describing embodiments of the present invention, the following terminology will be used. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a needle” includes reference to one or more of such needles and “etching” includes one or more of such steps. As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It further will be understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including” specify the presence of stated features, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps or components. It also should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions and acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality and acts involved.

The terms “traveler,” and “user” refer to an entity, e.g. a human, using the travel pillow associated with the invention. The term user herein refers to one or more users.

The term “invention” or “present invention” refers to the invention being applied for via the patent application with the title “Travel Pillow.” Invention may be used interchangeably with pillow.

In general, the present disclosure relates to an article of manufacture for providing a travel aid. To better understand the present invention, FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of an article of manufacture providing a travel pillow useful when sitting within an enclosed space according to the present invention. An example travel pillow 100 is shown arranged to fit around a traveler's neck while seated within an assigned seat. The travel pillow 100 provides a traveler with support for the head while seated that permits the traveler to rest and sleep while seated.

The travel pillow 100 consists of a soft outer casing 101 that has a zipper 102 to expose the inside of the soft outer casing 101 that permits the traveler to place soft material within the soft outer casing 101. The zipper 102 runs most of the length of the soft outer casing 101 such that when any material used within the soft outer casing 101 as stuffing is removed, the soft outer casing 101 becomes a thin collection of material which takes up very little space.

A pair of connecting tabs 103 a-b is attached to each end of the soft outer casing 101 to permit the connecting tabs 103 a-b to be coupled together to hold the travel pillow 100 in place about the neck of the traveler. The connecting tabs 103 a-b may couple together using snaps, button and buttonhole, hooks, Velcro™, and similar attachment mechanisms that are easily connected and disconnected by the traveler. The soft outer casing 101 may be made from a soft and washable material such as cotton, wool, silk, synthetic fibers, and the like. The material may be either thin or a plush material to create a soft surface for contacting the skin of the traveler.

FIGS. 2a-b illustrate another view of an article of manufacture for providing a travel pillow useful when sitting within an enclosed space presented according to the present invention. FIGS. 2a-b show the construction of a usable travel pillow 100 when made by a traveler according to the present invention. In FIG. 2a , the traveler obtains a piece of fabric from the items already being packed for travel such as a small blanket, towel, or similar item. The traveler may choose an item of a desired thickness and size to create a pillow of preferred thickness, softness, and length. The piece of fabric 201 is arranged as a roll of fabric 202, preferably having a length when rolled up that is similar to the soft outer casing 101.

FIG. 2b shows the roll of fabric 202 placed within the soft outer casting. The zipper 102 on the soft outer casing 101 creates an opening in the soft outer casing 101 to permit the roll of fabric 202 to be placed within an inner cavity of the soft outer casing 101. The traveler may create a travel pillow 100 as desired by choosing the roll of fabric 202 to provide the level of softness and fullness by using piece of fabric 201 that fills the inside of the soft outer casing 101 to a particular level.

The connecting tabs 103 a-b are shown on either end of the soft outer casing 101 and may be connected together to create a travel pillow 100 as shown in FIG. 1. A pair of mating Velcro™ tabs 203 a-b are located about either end if the soft outer casing 101.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of a travel pillow when arranged according to the present invention. The travel pillow 100 of FIG. 3 shows the roll of fabric 202 within the soft outer casing 101 with the zipper 102 in a closed position. The soft outer casing 101 expands as the roll of fabric 202 consumes space within the soft outer casing 101. The connecting tabs 103 a-b are again located on the ends of the soft outer casing 101. In alternate embodiments, the zipper 102 may be replaced with other connecting mechanisms including snaps, hooks, buttons, and Velcro™. The soft outer casing 101 may be made of any length as desired to create a pillow that fits around the neck of the traveler. The width of the soft outer casing 101 may be made of a desired width to support a roll of fabric 202 of a desired thickness when placed within the soft outer casing 101.

Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the present application, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the invention. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in this application. In other words, any of the features mentioned in this application may be included to this new invention in any combination or combinations to allow the functionality required for the desired operations.

No element, act, or instruction used in the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of manufacture for providing a travel pillow useful when sitting within an enclosed space, the article comprises: an outer casing having an inner cavity and a connecting mechanism for closing the inner cavity; a pair of connecting tabs coupled to each end of the outer casing; and a pair of mating attachment mechanisms coupled to each of the pair of connecting tabs for coupling the pair of connecting tabs to each other.
 2. The article of manufacture according to claim 1, wherein the outer casing expands to permit a rolled up piece of fabric to be placed within the inner cavity.
 3. The article of manufacture according to claim 1, wherein the connecting mechanism comprises a zipper.
 4. The article of manufacture according to claim 3, wherein the connecting mechanism further comprises snaps, hooks, button-buttonhole, and Velcro.
 5. The article of manufacture according to claim 1, wherein pair of mating attachment mechanisms comprises a pair of mating snaps.
 6. The article of manufacture according to claim 5, wherein pair of mating attachment mechanisms further comprises hooks, button-buttonhole, and Velcro.
 7. The article of manufacture according to claim 2, wherein the outer casing is made from a material comprising cotton, wool, silk, and synthetic fibers.
 8. The article of manufacture according to claim 6, wherein the outer casing material has a plush surface.
 9. The article of manufacture according to claim 6, wherein the soft outer casing material has a soft and thin surface.
 10. An article of manufacture for providing a travel pillow useful when sitting within an enclosed space, the article comprises: an outer casing having an inner cavity and a connecting mechanism for closing the inner cavity; a pair of connecting tabs coupled to each end of the outer casing, the connecting mechanism comprises a zipper, snaps, hooks, button-buttonhole, and Velcro; and a pair of mating attachment mechanisms coupled to each of the pair of connecting tabs for coupling the pair of connecting tabs to each other, pair of mating attachment mechanisms comprises a pair of mating snaps, hooks, button-buttonhole, and Velcro; wherein the outer casing expands to permit a rolled up piece of fabric to be placed within the inner cavity; and the outer casing is made from a material comprising cotton, wool, silk, and synthetic fibers having a plush surface. 